Schedule and Sessions

Jewish philanthropy has long history and is estimated to exceed $50B in the US annually. A third of top philanthropists are Jewish. In the past few years, this group of givers has made headlines as we navigate changes in the world, and cultural discussions that are far from easy. Join us as we explore the history, perspectives and key goals of Jewish donors. In this session, we’ll explore the diversity of Jewish philanthropy from three perspectives: that of a Jewish mega-donor, the fundraiser for a transformative Jewish community in Los Angeles, and a constantly learning non-Jew who has helped them.

Discover how volunteers are the yeast that makes your mission rise. Bringing a cross-cultural approach, we will blend current academic research on volunteering with real-world insights to show how recruiting, training, and celebrating volunteers can elevate fundraising and community impact.

Most nonprofits have AI helping staff work faster, but does yours generate revenue? Explore data from the frontier of Autonomous Fundraising, where Virtual Engagement Officers have raised more than $10 million for organizations like yours. Learn how to Autonomous AI changes the ROI we can expect of AI for fundraising.

Philanthropy today transcends geography, sector and identity. This panel explores how collaboration, trust and equity are redefining modern philanthropy, whether across national boundaries or within our own communities.

Rooted in the spirit of cross-border partnership, this conversation invites funders, nonprofits and community leaders to reflect on what it means to give and lead beyond traditional limits. Panelists will share how they’re navigating issues of power, culture and shared impact in their work from binational giving and collective philanthropy to inclusive leadership and community-driven solutions.

This session is for fundraisers doing it all: events, grants, appeals, board relations, and more. Learn how to prioritize tasks, track results, and gradually scale your fundraising shop with confidence. We’ll explore how to test sector best practices (like major gifts programs) on a small scale, justify growth and prioritization with data, and make space for what truly moves the mission. Whether you're a one-person team or building towards two or three, you'll gain tools and frameworks to say no with integrity, yes to strategic change, and maybe even let AI take a few things off your plate.

Agentic AI is revolutionizing philanthropy by delivering scalable personalization without losing the human touch. Paul Goldstein explores how autonomous systems can orchestrate outreach and stewardship, freeing fundraisers to focus on relationships. Learn to build ethical, adaptive donor journeys that prioritize mission and meaning while returning time to conversations that matter.

What sets top fundraisers apart? With only 117 ACFREs in the world, this is your rare chance to learn from two of them. Join veteran pros Alice Ferris and Chad Barger for a candid, fast-paced session on the behind-the-scenes systems and habits they use to work smarter—not harder. You’ll discover practical tools, simple shifts, and time-saving strategies that help them stay focused, raise more, and avoid burnout. Whether you’re a solo shop or leading a team, you’ll leave with immediately usable ideas to streamline your work and boost your impact.

Designed for mature professionals, this session offers personalized feedback, practical tools, and live coaching to help participants sharpen their donor strategies and overcome common challenges. This workshop is built on one clear premise: you don’t need more theory—you need real-world coaching to take your next leap.

We’re offering something we wish we had early in our careers: direct coaching to elevate your performance. This is real-time support from professionals who’ve been in your shoes—and who want to help you move to the next level.

If you're ready to grow, we’re ready to coach you. Let’s get to work.

What if professional development wasn’t about fitting in – but about breaking molds? This session features a cross-generational panel of BIMPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ fundraisers who’ve built careers on their own terms. Together, they’ll share how they’ve turned identity into power, authenticity into growth, and mentorship into movement. If you’re tired of being told to wait your turn or shrink your brilliance, this session is your invitation to take up space – and take your career with you.

Forget cold calls and corporate wish lists. This session will help you cut through the noise and build partnerships that actually work — the kind that last beyond a cheque and a logo. We’ll explore practical tools and ethical approaches for forming genuine connections between nonprofits and businesses, rooted in shared values and mutual benefit.

With a strong emphasis on ethics, values alignment, and long-term stewardship, you’ll leave with tools and confidence to build real partnerships that work.

Federal policy changes are reshaping the charitable giving landscape—and fundraisers are already feeling the effects. In this interactive policy session, AFP leaders and practitioners will provide a clear update on what the One Big Beautiful Bill means for charitable giving, paired with real-world strategies for engaging corporate partners and high-net-worth donors. The session will also explore what’s next on the policy horizon and how AFP members and chapters can engage effectively in advocacy that protects and strengthens the profession.

Join the California Budget & Policy Center for a candid look at how we’ve been putting community-centric fundraising into practice. In this session, we’ll share our journey—why we made the shift, what we’ve changed, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. You’ll hear real examples, honest reflections, and practical insights for applying community-centric principles in your own fundraising work. Whether you're just starting or looking to deepen your approach, this session will offer inspiration and actionable takeaways for building more equitable, community-rooted fundraising strategies.

What AI companions are saving you time so you can focus more on trust than admin? Join this session to see and try some of the latest responsible AI choices for fundraisers, and share your recommendations with your peers. This is a hands-on, open-mic session, so bring your energy! Vamos!

Unlock the secrets to six-figure fundraising events in this high-energy session led by a veteran fundraiser and a professional auctioneer. You'll learn how to craft donor-centered experiences that drive generosity—from storytelling that sparks emotion to fund-a-need moments that inspire action. Discover what makes events memorable (and profitable), how to avoid silent auctions with silent bidders, and the psychology behind giving in the room. Walk away with actionable tools, a customizable planning worksheet, and real-world strategies to turn your next gala or benefit into a powerful engine for donor engagement and revenue.

Mobile has emerged as a cornerstone of effective fundraising, enabling real-time, personalized engagement across the donor journey. This session explores how nonprofits can reimagine donor journeys through mobile—from first click to completed gift. Learn proven strategies, messaging examples, and data-backed insights to build smarter, more responsive campaigns that meet donors where they are—on their phones.